Feature / One Question Interviews
Professor and the Madman

Words: Loren • June 10, 2018

Professor and the Madman
Professor and the Madman

Sean Elliott (Professor and the Madman-co-vocalist)

SPB: When did you first "discover" punk rock?

Sean: I first heard the term 'punk rock' in elementary school. All the kids in my class had to take part in a "Secret Santa" gift trade. I was assigned to trade gifts with a kid who everybody described as punk rock. I bought him a book on how to make paper airplanes and he got me a 'Sid Lives' pin. Around this time, 1980, I heard 'Holiday in Cambodia' on 'Rodney on the ROQ.' I was already a huge fan of surf music. When I first started playing guitar, I wanted to emulate the fury of Dick Dale's guitar sound. I recognized this sound in 'Holiday in Cambodia.' As I got older, the only music that had the same raw power was punk rock. Everything else was shit! 

Loren • June 10, 2018

Professor and the Madman
Professor and the Madman

Related features

Nonthewiser

One Question Interviews • February 27, 2026

Nic (Nonthewiser) SPB: What were your biggest takeaways from recording your EP Injustice For All? What did you learn and what would that change the process next time around? Nic: Recording Injustice For All taught us how important planning really is. Since we live in different cities, we record everything … Read more

The Immortal Samsara Travelers

One Question Interviews • February 26, 2026

Stanley Christiaensen (The Immortal Samsara Travelers – guitar/flute/vocals/sitar) SPB: How do you typically begin the composition process for a song? Christiaensen: The composition process always starts from either existential questions like the evolution of the human species or historical visions like the Hadean Eon, Egyptian mythology. An atmosphere will spark … Read more

On The Cinder

One Question Interviews • February 25, 2026

On The Cinder SPB: What is the smallest crowd you’ve played to? How did you approach the show? Mike: I did a call with my guys last night and we compiled some of the more tragic memories of our time touring over the last 13 years as a band. A … Read more

The Boys

Interviews • February 22, 2026

The Boys were perhaps one of the most underrated bands to ride the crest of the first wave of UK punk. Formed in London in 1976, they stood out from their peers with astute musicianship, melodic hooks, and clever lyrics. While bands like the Sex Pistols were focused on cash … Read more

The Darts – Tour Talk

Interviews • February 22, 2026

The Darts have a busy year ahead. First, they will release the brand new full-length Halloween Love Songs on March 3 (Meow Hiss Music). Then the band hits the road – France in March-April, then much of the US in May-June. They are also booking dates in the EUK, Australia, … Read more

Related news

Professor and the Madman return with Séance

Posted in Records on November 1, 2020

More from this section

Nonthewiser

One Question Interviews • February 27, 2026

Nic (Nonthewiser) SPB: What were your biggest takeaways from recording your EP Injustice For All? What did you learn and what would that change the process next time around? Nic: Recording Injustice For All taught us how important planning really is. Since we live in different cities, we record everything … Read more

The Immortal Samsara Travelers

One Question Interviews • February 26, 2026

Stanley Christiaensen (The Immortal Samsara Travelers – guitar/flute/vocals/sitar) SPB: How do you typically begin the composition process for a song? Christiaensen: The composition process always starts from either existential questions like the evolution of the human species or historical visions like the Hadean Eon, Egyptian mythology. An atmosphere will spark … Read more

On The Cinder

One Question Interviews • February 25, 2026

On The Cinder SPB: What is the smallest crowd you’ve played to? How did you approach the show? Mike: I did a call with my guys last night and we compiled some of the more tragic memories of our time touring over the last 13 years as a band. A … Read more